Urban Nature: ‘The Intricate Ecology … of Vacant Lots’


Vacant city lots are often dismissed as derelict urban eyesores, but now some environmentalists are viewing these empty spaces as ecological opportunities. Unoccupied parcels of land can provide habitat for plants, animals and insects in urban environments.

On this week’s installment of the WTTW online series “Urban Nature,” host Marcus Krahnforst treks through several vacant lots on Chicago’s South Side to find—amidst the discarded tires and construction debris—birds, bees, butterflies and some very valuable plants.

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WTTW’s online series “Urban Nature” explores the wild side of cities. Watch more episodes.


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